(“On the edge” by Muzikayise Ndlela)
Currently
running in the Schreiner Gallery at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg
is an exhibition titled Identity or
Belief? by Muzikayise Ndlela.
The artist
is currently in residence and will give a walkabout of his exhibition on June
10 from 14h30 to 15h30.
Ndlela is a
self-taught artist from Mpophomeni Township in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. He
was born in 1979 into a Zulu family where practice of traditional customs was
an expectation. His identity was structured and shaped by his traditional
roots. He started drawing by making portraits for his high school teachers and
classmates where his talent was discovered.
He joined
Tatham Art Classes in 1998 and was encouraged by Mduduzi Xhakaza to take art
into serious consideration. In 2008 he was awarded a third prize Nivea Art
Awards under the mentorship of Thulani Makhaye.
His
drawings, primarily executed in pastel and charcoal, challenge viewers to
consider the possible conflict between identity and belief. His fundamental
message is one of Ubuntu, or humanity, where we all respect one another
regardless of our different cultures and beliefs.
This
exhibition considers questions and conflicts he has experienced since becoming a
Christian. He has taken part in group exhibitions but this is his first solo
exhibition.
Identity or Belief? runs until July 24 at 17h00. The Tatham Art
Gallery is situated opposite
the Town Hall in Chief Albert
Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. It is open from Tuesdays
to Sundays from 10h00 to 17h00. Café Tatham is open on Saturdays. Safe parking
with a car guard available. More information on 033 392 2801 or visit www.tatham.org.za
Posts
